Speakeasy - Sotol Sunrise
Barreled Souls Brewing Company

It pours a murky orange with a pinkish hue. Half inch of tight foam that is short-lived and leaves nothing behind. Not the prettiest thing I've seen, but ok.

The smell is of the three fruits, a bit of malt and a bright, grassy/earthy/herbal smell that must be the Sotol. Slightly boozy smell, slightly sweet, maybe just a touch of smoke.

The flavor - well, I just plain like it. The fruits are a nice blend and I can pick out the orange easily, the tart signature of the cranberry with some thought, and the richer/darker fruit flavor of the pomegranate. Since I've never had the liquor before, I assume that the barrel takes over with bright grassy and herbal notes, a little earthiness, I think I find a trace of smoke, and there's a very pleasant sweetness that is not heavy despite the full boat of fruit flavors. It reminds me a bit of dark Karo, although I'm probably admitting my age to say that. There's a detectable beer-ness as I have found with other Speakeasy beers. There's also a very unique taste going on here that I can't quite describe - nutty, grassy, herbal, woody, subtle smokiness. Lemongrass, maybe. There's a tingle on the aftertaste that's adding more interest. Just enough fruit-driven acidity to provide a little zip. There's a subtle amount of salt that ties this all together.

The feel is juicy and I'll use the word "lush" - it's not exactly thick, but it has some heft to it. It's refreshing enough.

I'm kinda thinking guilty pleasure here - it's nothing like I expected in the best way possible. The little bit of beer snob in me says I shouldn't like this, but I just dig the overall effect they've achieved with this beer.